Cycling up the World’s Steepest Street (New Zealand)

Does Baldwin Street in New Zealand live up to the hype?
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[@blueshun]

Without any pause, "I hope his chain breaks".🤣

[@MitchBoyer]

What a legend 😂

[@elinoracedo7430]

😂😂😂

[@skotsephrenia1]

BRUTAL...YOU MUTILATE THOSE NASTY HILLS MATE

[@dicaprio24handsome]

Lol 😂

[@jedisparke1446]

I know and they cool them a legend like

[@ArelEnglish]

Those New Zealanders are hilarious. “I hope he breaks his chain” 😂 and the pile of Lycra joke. Absolutely brutal. Fantastic video!

[@MitchBoyer]

Toby had a bunch of other great digs I wish had made it in the video. He's a funny dude. They entire crew that day was hilarious!

[@melvinmesanovic9869]

thats something you dont wish on any one, would be very painfull for 2-3 generations :)

[@michaelclement1337]

Could of jinxed him :) Speaking from experience you don't want a chain to break

[@cuddledog142]

Awww I’m so happy the news crew was actually really nice and genuinely happy you made it, while still making funny digs hahaha. I love New Zealanders! I actually gave my girlfriend at the time a piggyback from bottom to top without stopping. Also had people cheering for me on the way up lol. Not gonna lie I’m a little shocked I made it but the cheering seriously helps

[@user-mm8me3fi1x]

I rode up there in about 1995 with no zig zag on second attempt. On an old Scott peak heavy chrome Molly frame. It had wide road tyres and the worse thing was the back wheel was letting go on the steeper part . It was a great feeling to do it . Someone came out of the house and said I was the second person to do it ,I wonder who that was. Congratulations

[@niqqaplz9648]

No way lol

[@zachprince4913]

most factual KZbin comment

[@mikes41720]

Way to go, Mitch! The local news outlets? That's amazing! What an entertaining video!

[@MitchBoyer]

Thanks, Mike!

[@RekySai]

Yaaah so cool. He can't even hold a camera straight cause he's to busy lying

[@jnawk83]

"news". 7 sharp is pretty tabloid. still a fantastic achievement regardless.

[@pfullinger]

Not local, national.

[@StonkeyKong]

@@RekySailying about what…?

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

I weighed 52kg in 1994 at the age of 22 with lower gearing on a Miyata road bike and managed to finish it as well . Several New Zealand locals and Australians have finished . I had numb legs at the end but had practiced for six months on several steep streets in greater Sydney . I did Arden Street , Coogee many times beforehand . I couldn't do it today though . I had coaching for my attempt .

[@shred3005]

Yep Arden St in Coogee is a killer. My brother in law used to live there and I avoided riding it! That would have been tough with the gearing on your old Miyata even if you swapped them out for something easier. My Miyata from the early 90s has a small ring 42T and the easiest on the cassette in those days was 23 I think. No granny gears back then!

[@coreyreeder3549]

Great storytelling and humor. And let’s not forget that huge effort! Well done Mitch.

[@MitchBoyer]

Thanks Corey!

[@iannelson6242]

Seven Sharp yesterday, NBC today, the BBC tomorrow…. brilliant episode Mttch in that fab RCA kit!

[@MitchBoyer]

Thanks Ian 🙌

[@OZcafehead]

Yep. It's all downhill after Seven Sharp.

[@dominicbritt]

Well done Mitch - massive effort. Baldwin Street is also famous for students trying to descend in wheels bins ;-)

[@tewaewae]

and one killed himself doing it. not recommended

[@mattagnew206]

​@@tewaewaeHerself. Ana Louise North, 19. Although the young guy who was in the bin with her (!) suffered head injuries.

[@deldridg]

Back in 1996 I parked my camper at the bottom of Baldwin St and ran up it. I was quite fit in those days. Arriving just before me were 2 busses with Japanese tourists who disembarked and started walking up as I was arriving. So, I parked and ran through the pack (politely) and got to the top and sat on the bench seat there (puffing considerably). A few minutes later, the first of the Japanese folk started arriving and in about 5 mins they were all there. By now I was standing and someone stood next to me, addressed the crowd with some kind of short speech followed by a thunderous applause - I was quite taken aback. For the next 10 minutes they took turns forming groups around me and photographing each other with me as some kind of hero (at least that's what I was probably hoping at the time). I didn't understand a damned word, but it made for a good story. I'll always have fond, if not slightly quirky memories of Baldwin st! Cheers from Sydney - Dave

[@jatt-jatt-jatt3181]

I live on a steep hill but running up baldwin is a crazy feat man

[@NickBainas]

I'm so glad you made it on that third effort. great story telling, I was on the edge every attempt!

[@JC-pt2tw]

The way you fell is my greatest fear of falling when going up 20% hills. Luckily, the only time I fell I was able to cut right and land on my knee.

[@ericbarnettcycling]

Fantastic video! From a cyclist perspective, taking on the steepest climbs is so daunting (especially for a hefty boy like myself) - congrats for conquering this one! Incredible videography and editing as well! With all the clips, cuts, narration, graphics, even pulling together footage from other sources - I was marveled at how much work went into the video and how well it ties together. Top-tier YouTubing - studio documentary quality! Globetrotting and riding bikes - living the dream, man!

[@MitchBoyer]

Thanks Eric, appreciate it! Congrats on your podium this week 💪

[@jacobbailey2950]

As someone that lives in Dunedin its hard enough walking up it, huge respect

[@swites]

That's one scary street! I was down there for a race a few yrs back, but we only had time to drive past it. Honestly in real life it looks so steep that it looks near impossible to ride up it. And even though I consider myself a climber (69kg), I'm not sure I could get up it! Well done btw.

[@EhrlicherEdukator]

Congratulations Mitch! I am happy you did it and I am excited to see what comes next! Keep it up man. Cheers from Berlin Germany

[@FancyPants208]

Been watching your channel for a minute now and it's inspired me to get back to cycling! Just purchased a new gravel bike and am ready to get back in the saddle

[@wooglins]

Mitch your video's are among my favorites. Thanks for sharing your adventures.

[@MitchBoyer]

Thanks Alan!

[@tallbikercat]

My guess is Pittsburgh, PA! They have an infamous ride there called The Dirty Dozen. The steepest road is 37% grade. Lots of other steep and fairly long roads, though.

[@gunjja13]

This was so exciting to watch! More then just congrats to you Mitch!

[@cmathews1]

As a New Zealand rider I absolutely loved the despair & humiliation. Well done 😅

[@mikenelson5996]

Quality content! I loved watching the San Fran video and then this one straight away. A great intro to the channel!

[@kintobr]

Amazing video, Mitch. Keep up the good work!

[@andras.89]

Great effort! Would lovely to watch Mr. Andrew Feather's attempt. 1-1 ratio absolutely "allowed" I think :D

[@gavinequinn]

Delighted you got it! Delighted the videos are back!! Well done.

[@CamNicholls]

Worth the wait, great video Mitch! Love the Kiwi’s too ❤

[@MitchBoyer]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks Cam!

[@facoruh]

Bar none - next level Mitch. You’ve come so far… proud of you!

[@mattjns]

The vid we were all waiting for!!!! Amazing effort, mate. 🏆

[@MitchBoyer]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@goranwinblad]

Been looking forward to that one, congrats on getting up and for making a great video! Would love to run up that street 😁

[@MitchBoyer]

Thanks Göran! You'd make it look easy running up!

[@Exempt09]

So much resilience! Great job !

[@danelojek915]

Awesome work Mitch great job and sweet riding kit

[@housepianist]

Try Canton Ave in Pittsburgh. It’s part of the Dirty Dozen Bike Race that’s held every year (the 13 steepest streets in the city). Canton Ave is particularly impressive at about 630 long with a 37% grade running 21 feet in length.

[@Justryan.0916]

So proud of you Mitch! me personally tho,i wouldn't even think about going in the steepest street

[@Tjamp]

I just found your channel the other day. What an absolute gem. You're insanely talented at telling stories bro. Never stop please. Keep going you gained a new sub and viewer. Have a great day and cheers from Denmark.

[@MitchBoyer]

Wow, thanks dude! Really appreciate your kind words 🙌

[@Silveran]

The video we were waiting! 🎉 Congrats! 👍 ❤

[@MitchBoyer]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@JakobusVdL]

Great video Mitch It's a beast of a street, I tried to run up it many years ago when I was much fitter, and a bit lighter. I had to stop for a bit of gasping and wheezing, then stagger on to the top. Very impressed that you were able to make it all the way to the top on a bike - well done!

[@Josephd3290]

Nice work man! glad to see the surveyor was so supportive 🤣

[@Souzaphotos]

Great job! Glad to have found this in my suggested feed, and now a new subscriber!

[@MitchBoyer]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@ScAnSaBr]

That was really entertaining! And great job on the climb!

[@byrondixon4648]

MITCH! This is most certainly your best one yet. Inspired 🙂

[@MitchBoyer]

Thanks! Glad it was inspiring 🙌

[@LennartDZ]

such a nice series I enjoy every video!

[@MitchBoyer]

Thanks!

[@mikewilliams6086]

Well done mate. We have all been at the point where we thought we couldn't go on and stopped. So overcoming it after two attempts is a massive effort.

[@kathyclemente9850]

Congrats! I’m glad you made it, I was 👏 at the end 😊

[@CaughtInp]

What a great effort Mitch! Me and my mates use to send it down in rubbish bins and got some battle scars from it haha. Hope you enjoyed your trip here in NZ!

[@MyLouTube]

Brilliant effort, great video!!!

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Super surprised you're not riding with a smaller chainring! Kudos!!!

[@MrLotsabits]

I joke with my friends by saying, "There aint no hill too big that I can't.... walk". OMG, I'd have trouble crawling up that one! You are my hero!

[@recacar]

Good on you! Really impressed that you made up on such a tall gear. Even with your gravel bike, which looks to be 40t or 42t up front with a low gear of 52t in the back, that results in low gear of 22 gear inches. That is really tall. With your road bike setup your lowest gear inch is 28. I have climed some of the streets you mention in SF and LA with a low gear inch of around 14 and while still difficult, I was able to get up them without being compleyely wiped and that has to do with the gearing. I couldn't imagine grinding up those streets on a 28 gear inches as my lowest gear. Props to you!

[@MitchBoyer]

Thanks! Yeah, I think the lower gear would be very helpful, especially on the longer climbs. This experience has me rethinking my bike setup, but the masochist in me wants to just keep it as is 😅

[@patrickflanagan317]

Great effort and thanks for coming to NZ to give it a go ! The first time I tried I chickened out , but if others can do it so can you!! Now over 55 I better have another go.👍👍💪💪

[@Yota-man85]

I am so proud of you brother! Great job! Way to freaking push!

[@taylorhenderson8123]

I have no idea how I stumbled onto this channel, but you definitely got a new subscriber :) If you ever come to Utah, you've got a place to stay...and some great rides to enjoy!

[@ComputerRouter]

Great video, I've attempted to cycle it, three attempts in one evening on a 29" Hard Tail with super low gearing It was brutal and I'd come to a halt on the steepest part every time After I'd given up and walked to the top a school kid cycled straight up - straight up, not even zig zagging

[@e-curb]

kid was probably a flyweight.

[@jvramos4849]

Big fan from the Philippines Mitch!

[@user-ki4bv6pc1e]

Thanks for the video Mitch. I hope you enjoyed your time here in New Zealand. You're welcome back anytime mate.

[@TimR123]

Nice work Mitch! Making us grunt and groan in sympathy. (Or is that Shadenfreude? 🙂) And gotta love the NZ news and people reaction. Off to Wales now!

[@stevevarga8621]

Congrats Mitch, a very tough climb especially with your crazy gearing. I never commented on your gearing previously because I just assumed you wanted to make it as difficult as possible. I do take issue with your comments re gearing. Lower gearing does make a huge difference because it allows you to keep your cadence much higher which saves your legs. I use GRX 48/31 with 11/42 (I could go even lower but I’d have to change the stock derailleur). Compare the 31x42 to your current set up and you will feel the higher cadence saving your legs. This lower gearing allows me to do many steep climbs over the length of one ride or in your case it allows you to do longer climbs then 60 seconds. The wattage will be the same but the power pulses are shorter and hence easier on your muscles. But maybe too easy? I’m not sure now what your goal is, make the climbs or make them as difficult as possible? In any case fun video, great job and I’m impressed that you’ve figured out a great way to enjoy life. 👍👍👍

[@MitchBoyer]

Thanks for watching dude! It’s definitely not the ideal bike for these climbs, but most of these city steep streets are super short, so it wasn’t an issue until this one 😜 I’ve done a bunch of tests with my gravel bike with the 52t cassette and different chainrings from 30t up to 40t. I have been really surprised by how little of a difference in perceived effort there is for me on these super steep streets. My cadence goes up, but not as dramatically as you might think. The easier gearing makes 15% climbs MUCH easier and it’s 100% worth it. The true 30%+ climbs are a different story in my experience. I dunno if it’s psychological, or inaccurate GPS data on other streets, but Baldwin Street, and Fargo in LA feel different (and my data looks different) from almost every other steep street I’ve done.

[@nanthilrodriguez]

Been waiting for this one.

[@magicfairy7805]

My hometown. As a child I went to play with friends who lived in Baldwin Street. Didn't know it was special, just knew not to play any ball games :-)

[@andrewzach1921]

I am so glad the newscaster was so supportive of your attempt. Way to gut it out on the third try.

[@karlosfandango6637]

What a great video. Well put together and funny.😅. I was so so happy you did it. Quality mate. 👏. I walked it in 2008. I'd try ride it if I ever went again. I've cycled the road in Harlech, not impressed either. My favorite steepest street is on the Great Orme, llandudno, Wales. It goes along the tram that travels up the Great Orme.

[@emerson_west]

I used to ride up Broderick in my super cool Specialized Allez when I was young in the 90s and man that was tough! Nice to see it gets good respect too!

[@richk755]

Another awesome video - nice work Mitch! btw I live a few miles for fford pen llech, so if you need a hand with filming when you head over to Wales to take it on, hit me up!

[@JamesBoz]

Nice video! Having lived there in the past I can attest that the hills of Dunedin are indeed no joke!

[@user-nd2bq3ix4o]

Congratulations Mitch👏👏👏👏😊👌👍

[@drummerman122]

Great video love New Zealand and San Fran

[@BlackSlimShady]

Local from Dunedin here - I get nervous even thinking about driving my car or motorbike up there, so on the Bicycle would be insane! Good effort

[@petertreadway]

‘A humiliating heap of metal and lycra’. How dare she? It would be a humiliating heap of CARBON and Lycra! 😂 Joking aside, what a superhuman effort! I absolutely felt you when you said ‘I don’t like an audience’ as I still cringe every time I get my camera out to film myself, so to take that on in front of a TV news crew… wow! Congratulations, mate and if you ever head across the Pond to take on Pen Llech in Harlech, drop me a line and I’ll come help you film it. 👌🏻

[@MitchBoyer]

Haha loved the Seven Sharp team. I've never felt so welcome while being consistently roasted 😂 Careful dude, I might take you up on that offer!

[@petertreadway]

@@MitchBoyer 😉 just name the date!

[@ReCycledCycler]

On behalf of New Zealand, we forgive you Mitch 😅 Hillary is a national treasure! Great humour.

[@tonyscerri6039]

Big well done, no easy task

[@mirandahotspring4019]

You sure went the long way, there are direct flights LA to Christchurch. Good to see you get up on the third attempt. I used to live near Baldwin St before it became a tourist attraction. When the old post office down at the bottom closed a couple bought it and turned it into a café. They printed out certificates for people who walked up it and popularised it a lot. Now whenever I drive past there are always a dozen or so people there.

[@dadlife8289]

Great video!

[@mikkolehto2102]

Great job! Go RCA. Greetings from Finland

[@murphybartle592]

As a New Zealander I can proudly say that I couldn't give less of a shit if we have the worlds steepest street or not.

[@XBLASTLIFEX]

Brilliant video! Wish it was longer :(

[@ryderd2346]

Amazing effort. You gotta hit the Mount Washington auto road in New Hampshire. Only open once a year. What a road that is

[@ph33lix]

Come to Ketchikan, Alaska! We have Schoendbar Rd, Heckman St, and Ketchikan Lakes Rd (aka dump hill) that are main thoroughfares. These hills are part of the local running club's Hills From Hell event held every year.

[@timtaylor9590]

I was thinking to stand up even though it consumes much more energy you can save your legs some. But it does require practice for longer efforts and a specific body type helps. Also even changing your bike set up can help going up steep hills like a more up right position

[@jdfdc7]

Best video I’ve seen in a long time!

[@Tom-yu9if]

This man going out of his way to find the streets any sane biker would avoid like the plague. Good stuff mate. Look forward to seeing some more of your adventures.

[@davidgeorge9233]

Well done Mitch, that looks brutal. What was your power for the climb? I’m a fellow “Puncheur” like yourself but I think you’re doing better than I am in the w/kg! Out of interest did your Roadmachine come with the CRD321 wheels and how much did the hunts save you over the stock wheels?

[@MitchBoyer]

For the Strava segment (including the flat bit at the start) I had an avg of 379w. The 2 min steep section avg was 427w (5.5w/kg) 😅 My Roadmachine came stock with Mavic Open wheels, I swapped them for Scribe Carbon wheels, and then for this ride, put the Hunts on. The Hunts are 200g lighter than the Scribes, which were already super light. I think the total savings compared to the stock wheels is about 700-800g.

[@davidgeorge9233]

@@MitchBoyerGreat effort 👍 Sounds like your Roadmachine came with totally different wheels, the UK ones come with either BMCs own 35mm carbon wheels or at the higher price they have DT Swiss ERCs. Thanks for the reply.

[@chaseallen5515]

I've only just started cycling in Auckland City for the past couple of years for the health benefits and the amount of fun i get from it. the first thing that you will learn about cycling in New Zealand the amount of steep roads it has. you can't even drive your car on a flat surface for maybe 2 - 3 mins without coming up to some kind of incline or Mt Kilimanjaro.

[@steinfossgard5210]

Good job!

[@marine463]

That was impressive. The locals were so lovely too.

[@volt_1075]

Awesome climb! Well done Sir! 🦾

[@Fugitive_8]

As an Ace Sprinter seeing you fall with the bike just got a smile on my face

[@Dreamweaver94]

Dude just the thought of falling over and all the way down the street is scary enough, not to mention rhe physically feat that it is. Nice.

[@juanbatista5302]

WELL DONE Mitch!!

[@VR6Boki]

I live in hilly area with lot of climbs, I bought bike that have cassette 11-34 and had 48-32 crank. That was 0.9 ratio and it was too hard for big hills for me, where I drive uphill for like 25 minutes or more. Then I put 36-22 crank on it, it brings me 0.64 ratio and difference is HUGE. Even ultra steep hills are now bearable.

[@underoathuea]

Your content is so well produced it's mad. Great vid

[@alfredthabiso]

Love your stuff dude, it is amazing !!!!

[@curtvaughan2836]

Did I imagine it, or did the front end of your bike actually get air flipping backward on your first attempt? When I was much younger, I found a local little side street which was quite short - maybe 100 ft. - but so impossibly steep that I couldn't get the bike to propel forward. The torque applied to the pedals combined with the steep angle of the street would cause the bike to wheelie, front end going upward and flipping backward. I stopped climbing in order to avoid the inevitable backward crash to the pavement under the bike. Great effort, even with the tacking!

[@carerra911]

Such a badass bro, what a incredible effort! I love these challenges!

[@thecoconut12]

you are the MVP, you actually converted into metric (5:15) despite being american. much appreciated, awesome video, keep up the good work!

[@peaceonearth9550]

Great job 👏🏽

[@2WR01]

Have you tried riding the road (near Jenner-By-The-Sea) behind Cazadero (Northern California) to the coast? It's tight curves and I *_stood_* on my pedals, pulling up with my lower pedal, and still could not achieve any forward movement. - Perhaps if I head back to Cali and try it with my '98 Klein MTB with the Ti 20 tooth triple-front crankset...?

[@meatstiick]

Beautiful ride. Thankfully Toronto doesnt have any hills like this.

[@kevinsnazz]

I remember as a kid thinking one of the streets in Newport, Oregon close to the Ripley's Believe It Or Not had to be one of the steepest in the world. You'd probably crush it.

[@TheVinnyt63]

I walked up Baldwin Street in late December 2019 and when I got to the top on Buchanan Road I saw a Chinese tourist, female, dropping a deuce in 4A's yard. The homeowner came out of her house hollering like crazy! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@chrisconnors7418]

If you’re ever in white rock bc, try Oxford Street. It’s not a world record street but it’s the only street I’ve not been able to climb. Be nice to hear your opinion of it if you cross the border into Canada

[@here2enjoy-bt8jq]

There is one road behind Sugarloaf Mills or somewhere in Pittsburgh. It's over 10metres for sure. But don't remember about the grade. It was a decade ago, so don't remember where it was. But it was during Thanksgiving and we went there to one of the mall nearby. The other one might be in Puerto Rico. Flemenco island.